This was a grey Gold Cup day, in more ways than one, but the race itself shone
like a welcoming beacon through the gloom. Even in advance, it had drama and
conspiracy theories. In execution, the Betfred-sponsored showpiece was a
microcosm of all that is riveting about this Festival.

Victory for Bobs Worth showered the accolades on his trainer, Nicky Henderson
– a second Gold Cup coinciding with a record 50th Cheltenham winner and
leading, almost inevitably now, to his first trainers’ championship in 26
years.

First and third places, achieved with two horses that came here off worryingly
long breaks,